Entertainment Industry: I am a top-tier movie star

Chapter 89 "You of My Youth"

In the sweltering summer of 2016, before the buzz surrounding the Magnolia Awards had fully subsided, Chen Nianbei had already devoted most of his energy to a brand new, even somewhat "adventurous," project.

At this moment, he and Zhang Lei were sitting in the studio, the air conditioner humming softly, shutting out the heat of Beijing outside the window.

Zhang Lei had just returned from outside, his forehead still damp with sweat. He grabbed a large gulp of ice water from the coffee table before looking at Chen Nianbei, who was sitting on the sofa with several printed manuscripts and a novel spread out in front of her: "Nianbei, why did you call me back in such a hurry? What instructions do you have? Aren't you supposed to do voice acting for 'Like a Flowing River'?"

'

Chen Nianbei raised his head, his eyes sparkling with a light that Zhang Lei recognized—the light that would appear when he encountered a project he was truly interested in and had thought deeply about.

Instead of answering directly, he pushed the rather plain-looking novel in front of him towards him.

Zhang Lei took it and read out the book title: "You, So Beautiful in Your Youth"?

"Jiu Yuexi—a coming-of-age novel?"

He flipped through a few pages with some confusion, then raised an eyebrow. "School—bullying theme?" He looked up at Chen Nianbei. "Nianbei, what's this—?"

"I want to make it into a movie." Chen Nianbei said succinctly, but his tone left no room for argument.

Zhang Lei paused for a moment, put down his novel, and sat up straight: "A movie? You're in it? A youth film?"

His three consecutive questions revealed his surprise.

In his opinion, Chen Nianbei had just won the Magnolia Award for Best Actor and filmed Daylight Entertainment's "Like a Flowing River." It was the perfect time for him to strike while the iron was hot and take on bigger productions, more mainstream themes, or commercial films that would impact the big screen.

A film adapted from an online youth novel, dealing with the sensitive topic of school violence, seems...

This doesn't quite fit Chen Nianbei's usual "steady and pragmatic" approach; it even has a bit of a "reverse" feel to it.

Chen Nianbei seemed to sense his doubts and pushed over several other printed copies: "This is the preliminary market analysis and risk assessment of the subject matter that I asked Lao Zhao to find someone to do."

Furthermore, I have read this novel carefully, and its core is not just about youthful love, but also about the pain, rebellion, and protection of teenagers, as well as the mutual comfort of two marginalized souls in desperate situations.

This extreme emotional tension, imbued with a sense of destruction and rebirth, along with its touch upon real-world issues, can be incredibly powerful and socially significant if handled properly.

He paused, pointing to the novel's cover: "And there's a character in it that really captivated me."

Zhang Lei quickly realized: "Xiao Bei? That street kid who uses his roguish charm to protect the female lead?"

"Yes, Xiao Bei."

Chen Nianbei's eyes deepened, as if he could already see the shadow of that character. "He is unruly and even somewhat ruthless on the outside, but inside he has the purest protection and gentleness."

His struggles, his silences, his outbursts, and his complex state between adolescence and adulthood, kindness and violence, despair and hope are very challenging and offer a lot of room for performance.

This is unlike any role I've ever played.

Zhang Lei looked closely at Chen Nianbei and saw the excitement and eagerness of a creator in his eyes.

He knew that when Chen Nianbei showed this expression, it usually meant that he had thought it through very thoroughly.

"But,"

Zhang Lei still has concerns: "The subject matter is sensitive, and getting it approved is a hurdle."

Moreover, while the youth film market is large, there are also many bad films, which easily lead to polarized opinions.

You just won Best Actor, and public opinion is pushing you to a "high-class" standard. Suddenly taking on this "somewhat wild" movie, won't that...?

"I know the risks."

Chen Nianbei interrupted him, her tone calm but firm, "But actors can't stay in their comfort zone forever."

Prince Jing, Mingtai, and Yang Xun all faced different challenges within a relatively safe framework.

Xiao Bei is different; he is more "fierce," more "primitive," and closer to a certain cruel reality of youth.

I want to give it a try. Moreover, he looked at Zhang Lei with bright eyes: "This is not only a role I want to play, but also a project I want to do."

Lei Zi, I want to buy the film adaptation rights to this novel.

Zhang Lei was genuinely shocked: "You bought the copyright yourself? And produced it?"

"right."

Chen Nianbei nodded, "As for funding, I currently have profit sharing from 'Kuai Ge,' as well as subsequent film remuneration and endorsement income, so the start-up capital is not a problem."

However, the project requires a professional team to operate. Copyright negotiations require reliable people to handle them.

More importantly, the script.

He picked up another thin notebook containing his own character analysis and plot conception notes. "The original novel has a good story framework, but adapting it into a film, especially considering both artistic expression and censorship, requires a very talented screenwriter to recreate it."

My initial idea is that we take the lead in development ourselves, and find someone with intellectual depth and expertise in realistic themes.

The adaptation is being handled by a top-tier screenwriter whose writing is both delicate and incisive.

He fixed his gaze on Zhang Lei: "Lei Zi, I want to work on this project with you."

If you were to direct, you would have a knack for youth-themed films and the ability to execute them.

Copyright negotiations may require leveraging your uncle's connections at Enlight Media, or we can find another professional copyright agent.

We'll look for and discuss screenwriters together. How about it, wanna play another round with me?

Zhang Lei was somewhat dizzy from this series of plans, but his heart began to beat faster involuntarily.

Chen Nianbei's description, and the unmistakable seriousness and passion in his eyes, ignited the creative flame within him.

This is no longer a simple role; it's an original project that requires complete control from the very beginning. The challenges are immense, but once successful, the sense of accomplishment will be far beyond that of any ordinary project.

Just like the TV series "Take My Brother Away" back then, they also started from scratch.

He took a deep breath, scratched his head, and suddenly laughed: "Nianbei, you've really taken a big step. You just won Best Actor, and now you're going to play a street thug."

His eyes sharpened. "That sounds exciting and interesting! Much better than those mediocre projects that come knocking on our door! Let's do it!"

He picked up the book, "You Are So Beautiful in Your Youth," and flipped through it quickly: "Regarding the copyright issue, I'll immediately ask someone to inquire and contact the author and publisher."

Screenwriter—what do you think of Lu Wei? He wrote "Farewell My Concubine," his skill is undeniable, but I wonder if he'd take on this kind of subject matter.

Or perhaps someone younger, like Han Jianu? She has a pretty good grasp of current issues. Let's make a list and approach them one by one.

Seeing Zhang Lei quickly get into the zone, Chen Nianbei smiled and said, "Okay. Let's keep a low profile for now and not reveal anything to the public. Let's focus on the copyright and the script."

The script is the foundation of a play, and this must be solid. As for my role as Xiao Bei—”

He touched his hair, which he had just re-trimmed for the post-dubbing of "Like a Flowing River". "My image will definitely be transformed. I may need to be thinner, tanned, and develop those lean muscles with a street style - all of these can be prepared in advance."

The two, sipping ice water and enjoying the cool breeze from the air conditioner, began their enthusiastic discussion, ranging from what the core theme of the story should highlight, to how to avoid potential censorship risks, and then to the initial budget and possible partners.

A brand new, challenging, and ambitious project blueprint is gradually taking shape in this not-so-luxurious studio.

Outside the window, the scorching summer sun beats down and cars and people move about.

Inside the window, the burning light of creators shines in the eyes of two young people.

The crown of the white magnolia has been temporarily set aside; a new journey points to a realm more thorny but also potentially where stunning flowers may bloom.

It's about the pain and protection of teenagers, about another possibility of cinematic art, and about Chen Nianbei's bold transgression and exploration as an actor and project leader.

The "Better Days" project quietly planted its first seed in the hot summer of 2016.

Chen Nianbei knew that for it to sprout and grow into a towering tree, there was still countless difficult tasks that he and his partners needed to complete step by step.